That email you desperately waited for finally arrives. And it comes with great news: you’ll be leaving the place you call home to embark on an international adventure.
But living abroad is quite challenging, whether it’s your first time in a foreign country or if you’re changing address… yet again. Trust me, I’ve been there, I know. So, hopefully, this guide becomes a great resource for those first steps. From planning your departing adventure to immersing yourself in a new culture, let’s get into how you can make the most of your experience living abroad.
1. Embrace those Mixed Feelings
First things first, darling: you’ve got to own and enjoy the feeling! That tug at your heart, that restless spirit—it’s your inner compass guiding you to new horizons, and now that you have the chance to make that dream come true, mixed feelings might come your way. It’s natural and completely normal. Embrace it, and get ready to journey!
2. Preparing for Your Journey
Research and Planning:
- Destination Research: Knowledge is power, gorgeous! Dive deep into understanding the culture, social norms, and general landscape of the place that will be adopting you for some time. Check out resources like Lonely Planet and Nomad List for initial insights. These guides can give you a good introduction to the country, so you won’t be landing clueless.
- Language Preparation: Speaking the local lingo? Yes, please! Start with the basics through apps like Duolingo and Rosetta Stone to get a head start. Knowing just a few words can take you a long way. My personal favorite is learning “Thank you!” which, along with a smile, can help you gain the confidence to interact with the local people.
Financial Planning:
- Budgeting: Plan your finances like a boss. Calculate the cost of living, including accommodation, food, transport, and fun activities. Numbeo is your go-to for comparing costs across different cities.
- Savings: Start saving now. Create a dedicated travel fund for unforeseeable events. I’ve heard hundreds of stories where money funds run out, and people get into very uncomfortable and risky situations. Remember, having a financial backup gives you the power and freedom to make the best decisions. It’s a way of staying safe. So make sure to have savings for anything that comes your way.
3. Immersing in a New Culture
Living with Host Families:
One of the most enriching experiences is living with a local family. This allows for deep cultural immersion and a personal support system. Look for exchange programs like those offered by AFS Intercultural Programs or homestay networks like Homestay.com. But if your plans are different and actually living with a host family isn’t part of your plans, consider spending even an evening or a weekend with one. You won’t regret creating those heartful connections!
Adapting to New Norms:
- Cultural Sensitivity: Respect local customs and traditions. Research cultural etiquette to avoid unintentional faux pas. This is probably the thing that bothers locals the most and has given travelers a bad reputation. It’s as simple as being observant and remembering you are a guest in this country.
- Language Immersion: You already know a couple of words; now it’s time to practice speaking the local language daily. Engage in conversations with locals to improve your proficiency and build connections. And don’t be afraid of making mistakes—that’s part of the joy of living abroad. There’s no one you know judging.
4. Building a Home Away from Home
Creating a Support Network:
- Join Expat Communities: Platforms like InterNations or local expat Facebook groups can help you connect with other expatriates. They probably faced the same challenges as you in the beginning, and sharing experiences will surely be very enriching.
- Engage Locally: Although to truly get to know the culture, you need to be part of the community. Participate in local events, volunteer opportunities, and cultural festivals to build a diverse social network.
Adopting Local Habits:
- Embrace Local Cuisine: They say the best way to immerse yourself in any culture is through its cuisine. Explore local markets and try traditional dishes. Cooking classes can also be fun to learn about the local culture.
- Learn the Pace of Life: Each country, city, town, and place has its own rhythm. Embrace the local pace, whether it’s Italy’s leisurely lifestyle or Switzerland’s efficient precision.
5. Navigating Challenges
Cultural Shock and Homesickness:
- Stay Connected: Feeling homesick? It’s normal and probably happens more often than you think. But you don’t need to sweat it. Regularly communicate with family and friends back home through video calls and messaging apps—the beauty of this era.
- Journal Your Experiences: Writing about your experiences can help you process your emotions and reflect on your journey. The best time to write is in the beginning when everything is new, and you’re more receptive to new things, different lifestyles, and experiences. But don’t stop doing it! Writing constantly can also be a great tool for seeing how much you have changed throughout these experiences. Believe me, you probably won’t recognize yourself; living abroad is an experience that changes you.
Legal and Logistical Matters:
- Visa and Residency Requirements: There’s always a tedious side to all great things, and travel is no exception. To have the best experience, ensure you have the appropriate visa for your stay. Websites like VisaHQ provide detailed visa information.
- Healthcare: It’s always better to be prepared, and there’s nothing more important than your health. Familiarize yourself with the healthcare system of your host country. Consider purchasing international health insurance for comprehensive coverage. Better have it and not use it, than needing it and not having it.
6. Creating Lasting Memories
Document Your Journey:
- Photography and Writing: Capture your experiences through photos and journal entries. Share them with the world or keep them to yourself—it doesn’t really matter. These memories will serve as a lifelong reminder of your adventures. And I promise you, over time, the tiny details are forgotten, and having reminders of them is a real treasure.
Leaving a Positive Impact:
- Cultural Exchange: Bring your own culture to the mix and share it with locals! This mutual exchange enriches both parties and fosters greater understanding. Although it might sound cliche, I believe this makes a better world: the continuous exchange of knowledge makes us more empathic and open-minded.
- Sustainable Travel: Sustainability concerns us all, and traveling abroad gives us an opportunity to contribute. Be mindful of your environmental impact. Support local businesses and eco-friendly initiatives. Even small actions are valuable.
Staying Curious:
- Continuous Exploration: We know how it goes: a couple of days or weeks in, and novelty starts to fade. But remember, there’s always much more to uncover, and the real beauty lies beneath the surface. So make sure, even after settling in, to continue exploring new parts of your host country and neighboring regions. The journey never truly ends.
As you experience new things, you will find that you will also grow in unexpected ways. Embrace these changes and reflect on how these experiences are shaping your new identity. Although travel, and living abroad in particular, may seem to divide the heart, it ultimately enriches it. Your home is no longer just a place—home is wherever your journey takes you.
Through this guide, we hope to inspire and prepare you to embark on your own adventures abroad, filled with joy and novelty in the endless journey of exploring the world and embracing the free spirit within you.
